Nearly 1 in 5 of the more than 200 million people living in Nigeria struggle with some form of mental illness. In 2017, approximately 7 million people were diagnosed with depressive disorders. Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and substance abuse disorders are also common. Despite these staggering statistics, mental health remains one of the most neglected areas of healthcare in our country.

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Challenges and Causes of Mental Illness

Amidst systemic challenges including poorly planned services, lack of access to care and the shortage of healthcare personnel and resources, cultural taboos and religious beliefs often dictate how individuals perceive and cope with mental illness. Many Nigerians still resort to religious explanations or traditional healers when faced with emotional distress or mental disorders.

One study found that 80% of respondents perceived substance abuse as a cause of mental illness, while more than half cited possession by evil spirits as another contributing factor. Investigations by Human Rights Watch have revealed harrowing reports of people chained up in unsanitary conditions, drugged, starved, and subjected to physical and mental abuse.

Also Read: Women's Mental Health in Africa: Statistics and Challenges

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Addressing the Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness

The stigma surrounding mental illness is widespread and involves labelling, discrimination, and devaluation. Research indicates that an awareness of negative stereotypes can lead people to internalize them, resulting in lower self-esteem and recovery attitudes. Addressing stigma is crucial for improving access to appropriate treatment and achieving better outcomes.

However, recent legislative changes signal a major step forward. On January 5, 2023, Nigeria took a significant step forward with the signing of the Mental Health Bill 2021 into law, replacing the outdated Lunacy Act of 1958. Mental health advocates criticized the Lunacy Act for its lack of patient rights protection and overreliance on institutionalization as the primary approach to treatment. This new legislation reflects a growing political will to improve mental health care in Nigeria. However, effective implementation is key to realizing the goals outlined in the bill.

One crucial aspect of combating mental health stigma is education. By increasing public awareness and dispelling myths surrounding mental illness, we can break down barriers and encourage more individuals to seek help. Contact with individuals sharing their lived experiences can also challenge stereotypes and foster empathy and understanding.

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Mental Health Advocates

1. Organizations like the Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative are leading the charge in challenging mental health stigma. Through school programs, social media campaigns, and crisis support services, they are reaching tens of thousands of Nigerians.

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2. She Writes Woman is another initiative led by and for women with mental health conditions. They have a 24/7 mobile hotline and provide free online therapy. Additionally, the organization is actively engaged in national rights-based research and advocacy efforts.

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3. DébboTribe, a support group by DébboAfrica, provides women with a safe space to discuss their emotions and access valuable health information.

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Also Read: Health Challenges Prevalent Among Nigerian Women: The Importance of Health Screening

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We all have a role to play in breaking the silence surrounding mental health. By speaking out, sharing our stories, and advocating for change, we can create a society where mental illness is met with compassion and support rather than stigma and discrimination.

At DébboAfrica, we strongly believe that by working together, we can strive towards a Nigeria where mental health matters and quality care is accessible to all.

Sources:

1.      Onyemelukwe, C (2016). Stigma and mental health in Nigeria: Some suggestions for law reform, Journal of Law, Policy and Globalization. Available at: https://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/JLPG/article/view/34236  (Accessed: 24 April 2024).

2.      Coker, T. (2024) Nigeria’s Mental Health Crisis: A mind-boggling burden on 40 million minds, TC HEALTH. Available at: https://www.tchealthng.com/thought-pieces/nigerias-mental-health-crisis-a-mind-boggling-burden-on-40-million-minds  (Accessed: 24 April 2024).

3.      Ogunwale, A., Fadipe, B. and Bifarin, O. (2023) ‘Indigenous mental healthcare and human rights abuses in Nigeria: The role of Cultural Syntonicity and stigmatization’, Frontiers in Public Health, 11. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1122396.

4.      Council, B.C (2022). Exploring Nigerian mental health - Alex Robinson, Exploring Nigerian Mental Health - Alex Robinson | Birmingham City Council. Available at: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/file/24821/exploring_nigerian_mental_health_-_alex_robinson  (Accessed: 24 April 2024).

5.      Saied, A.A. (2023) ‘Nigeria’s National Mental Health Act 2021: Any challenges ahead?’, The Lancet, 401(10381), pp. 997–999. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(23)00345-8.

6. Haruna, U.A. et al. (2023) ‘Nigeria’s New Mental Health bill: An opportunity to fight stigma?’, Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 20, p. 101248. doi:10.1016/j.cegh.2023.101248.